Why seek Wisdom above all?

After exploring the wisdom of the Psalms, we now turn to another rich source of Jewish wisdom--the book of Proverbs. I am going to focus on verses from this rich book which focus on the image of Divine Wisdom in the form of a Holy Woman who cries out from the city gates and walks the streets, inviting us all to feast at Her table and receive Her instruction. While much of what She says is similar to wisdom found in other other Wisdom Traditions of the world, the way She says it is unique and well worth listening to!

Here are words about Wisdom and some of Wisdom's words to us.

Happy are you if you find Wisdom.

She is more precious than jewels,

and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Long life is in her right hand,and in her left hand are riches and honor.

Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

and all her paths are peace.

She is a Tree of Life to those who lay hold of her.

Those who hold her fast are called happy.

(from Proverbs 3)

Does not Wisdom call?

"Listen, for I will speak noble things,

and from my lips will come what is right.

My mouth will utter truth.

All the words I speak are righteous.

There is nothing twisted or crooked in them.

They are all straight to those who understand,

and right to those who know.

Take my instruction instead of silver,

and knowledge rather than choice gold.

I have counsel and sound wisdom, insight, and strength.

I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.

I walk in the ways of righteousness and in the paths of justice.

I endow those who follow me with true wealth and fill their treasuries.

Happy are those who listen to me,

watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.

Those who find me find life

and the favor of God.

Those who ignore me injure themselves.

To revere God is the beginning of wisdom,

and the knowledge of the Holy One is true insight.

(from Proverbs 8)

Finally, a few choice Proverbs culled from this ancient book of wisdom.

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.

The tongue of the upright is choice silver.

Those who heed wise instruction walk the path of life.

Those who reject reproof go astray.

The integrity of the upright guides them,

but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

Those who go about as tale-bearers reveal secrets;

but those who are trustworthy know how to keep a thing hidden.

Those who are liberal will be enriched, and those who water will themselves be watered.

Those who trust in their riches will wither,

but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.

Those who bring trouble to their household will inherit the wind.

But the just and generous are a tree of life.

My prayer of response:

Holy Wisdom,

May I treasure you above all else,

seek your instruction,

walk in your ways,

trust in your guidance,

acknowledge you in all my choices,

and so be for others, as you are,

a Tree of Life.